keflex

Generic Name: cephalexin (sef a LEX in) Brand Names: Keflex, Panixine

keflex is in a group of drugs called cephalosporin antibiotics. keflex fights bacteria in the body. keflex is used to treat infections caused by bacteria, including upper respiratory infections, ear infections, skin infections, and urinary tract infections. keflex may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Do not use keflex if you are allergic to cephalexin, or to similar antibiotics, such as Ceclor, Ceftin, Cefzil, Duricef, Fortaz, Omnicef, Spectracef, Suprax, and others. Before using keflex, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs (especially penicillins), or if you have kidney or liver disease, a stomach or intestinal disorder such as colitis, diabetes, or if you are malnourished. Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. keflex will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Do not use keflex if you are allergic to cephalexin, or to other cephalosporin antibiotics, such as: * cefaclor (Ceclor); * cefadroxil (Duricef); * cefdinir (Omnicef); * cefditoren (Spectracef); * cefixime (Suprax); * cefprozil (Cefzil); * ceftazidime (Fortaz); or * cefuroxime (Ceftin). Before using keflex, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs (especially penicillins), or if you have: * kidney disease; * liver disease; * a stomach or intestinal disorder such as colitis; * diabetes; or * if you are malnourished. If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take keflex. The oral suspension (liquid) form of keflex may contain sugar. This may affect you if you have diabetes. FDA pregnancy category B. keflex is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Cephalexin can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use keflex without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Take the medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the instructions on your prescription label. Take keflex with a full glass of water. Dissolve the keflex dispersible tablet in a small amount of water, about 2 teaspoonfuls. Stir this mixture and drink all of it right away. To make sure you get the entire dose, add a little more water to the same glass, swirl gently and drink right away. Do not swallow or chew a dispersible tablet. Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. To be sure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one. Take keflex for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. keflex will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu. This medication can cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using keflex. Store the tablets and capsules at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Store the liquid medicine in the refrigerator. Throw away any unused medication after 14 days.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, and blood in your urine.

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop the diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.